Gingivitis is one of the most common forms of gum disease, so you might wonder whether you can catch it from someone else. After all, harmful bacteria in the mouth play an important role in the development of gingivitis. If those bacteria can be transferred through saliva, does that mean gum disease is contagious?

The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. While you can’t “catch” gingivitis like you would catch a cold, certain bacteria associated with gum disease can be transferred between people through saliva. Your own oral hygiene and risk factors play a major role in determining whether that exposure actually leads to gum disease.